CALLS to improve Christmas celebrations in Darwen are being made after it was announced a 100ft wheel would be erected in Blackburn.

Traders and councillors say that last year’s efforts need to be improved.

Sunnyhurst councillor Dave Hollings said: “People would like to see improvements to the lights and the Christmas festivities.

“Last year can definitely be bettered.

“I’m not sure the geography of Darwen lends itself to a big wheel like Blackburn is getting, but it would be good to have something along those lines to attract shoppers in.

“I’d love to see more things to promote the town and festivities like a Christmas fair.”

Coun Alan Cottam, who is overseeing the organisation of the Christmas events in both Blackburn and Darwen, said there would be an ‘enhanced’ programme of events in Darwen this year, but said the full programme had not yet been decided.

He said: “There will be various events in Darwen. More money will be spent than last year and it should be really good.

“Unfortunately though there won’t be a big wheel in Darwen. There was only one of those available.”

The Christmas lights switch-on in the Market Square takes place on Saturday, November 21. Details of who will switch it on are still be announced. Last year Darwen’s Paralympic horse rider Felicity Coulthard did the honours, and in 2007 it was Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson and her girlband Diamond.

One boost is that Darwen Shop and Business Association (DSBA) has organised a synthetic ice rink for the Market Square on December 19, 20 and 20.

It is the second time that this has been organised by Eileen Guy who is chair of the group, to encourage shoppers into the town centre, and to give children something to do.

She has secured funding from the Cash in the Community fund, Grassroots and Blackburn with Darwen Council for the event.

Mrs Guy said: “It was really well received last year and should be again this year.

“There will also be a lot of supporting activities such as morris dancers, the Accrington Pipe Band, Punch and Judy and Highfield Scouts will be helping out.”